Lovin’ the Blues
We veteran gardeners certainly remember the time we saw our first fan flower (Scaevola aemula). Blue Wonder was first, and it was generally sold in big hanging baskets. Some of us transplanted it immediately into very large patio pots for the drama it brought to our gardens. I still do that.
![](https://neilsperry.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/6-27-24-Main-page-Fan-flower.jpg)
However, New Wonder was introduced with much fanfare and to the acclaim of many awards in 1997. It became the new standard of excellence, and since that time other cultivars have come into the market. We have no shortage of lovely choices for anyone who wishes to plant them.
![](https://neilsperry.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/6-27-24-Fan-flowers-shades-blue-pink-white.jpg)
What you’ll want to know…
• Common names: Fan flower, fairy fan flower (I’ve never heard that one used here in Texas), scaevola
• Scientific name: Scaevola aemula
• Native home: Australia (New South Wales)
![](https://neilsperry.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/6-27-24-Dahlberg-daisy-and-fan-flower.jpg)
• Annual or tender perennial
• Winter hardy to Zones 10-11 (deep South Texas and coastline)
• Sun or part sun
• Height: 10 to 15 inches
• Spread: 15 to 30 inches
• Growth form: trailing, sprawling, even arching
• Uses: spiller plant in large patio pots, hanging baskets, flowering annual groundcover
![](https://neilsperry.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/6-27-24-For-July-4-heres-your-red-white-and-blue.jpg)
• Propagation: primarily by cuttings by home gardeners
• Soil needs: highly organic, well-draining.
![](https://neilsperry.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/6-27-24-Sweet-alyssum-fanflower-combine-well.jpg)
• Water, fertilizer needs: tolerates drought, but grows and blooms best with consistently moist soil and weekly feedings of liquid high-nitrogen food.
• Pest problems: none that I’ve ever seen or read about.
![](https://neilsperry.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/6-27-24-White-fanflower-complements-blue.jpg)